FAQs
Why pay for something I can get for free?
Education is a priceless investment that affects every aspect of your child’s life and future. It informs—and will continue to inform—every aspect of life. We develop character within an excellent academic Christ-Centered education. Values, morals, priorities, work ethic and lifestyle choices are all influenced by elementary education. This foundation is only laid once.
Established in 1982, our experienced, dedicated and qualified teachers educate children using a challenging curriculum filled with the love of Christ. With high expectations and compassion, we nurture and empower students to strive for excellence in everything they do.
Choose a school wisely; your decision will affect a lifetime.
Why should I choose a Lutheran School for my children?
The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod operates the largest Protestant school system in the world.
Currently LCMS congregations operate 2,300 early childhood centers and preschools (129,000 students), 945 elementary schools (107,000 students) and 130 high schools. In addition, its higher education system includes 10 universities and two seminaries in the United States. These schools educate nearly 300,000 students and are taught by approximately 18,000 teachers.
Are teachers in your school required to have certification?
All our teachers have earned Bachelor’s, and in some cases Master’s, degrees, as well as Lutheran Teaching Diplomas. Some have state licenses (not necessarily California) as well.
Lutheran teachers are trained to teach the disciplines they are specializing in from the beginning of their college experience. They learn to teach through the lens of their faith, and their faith cannot be separated from their teaching, from their knowledge, or from their life. Their teaching is integrated, and addresses each child as a whole person, a unique and loved child of God.
What is your curriculum?
Zion uses California Standards in the curricular areas, either meeting or exceeding them. The areas of instruction include, but are not limited to, Religion, Reading, English, Spelling, Writing, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Music, Art, Physical Education, and Computer.
What is the class size?
Class sizes for grades K-8 are limited to 25 students. When there are over 20 students in Kindergarten, there will be a classroom aide.
Will my child take any standardized testing?
We administer the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) yearly to students in grades two through six.
How do your test scores compare with the public schools?
We administer the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) yearly to students in grades two through six. These are nationally-normed standardized tests, comparing our students to students across the nation. Our students’ scores fall above the national average.
Do students have to wear uniforms?
Yes. Zion Lutheran School is a place for learning and growing mentally and spiritually. The purpose of having a school dress uniform is to simplify the matter of student attire and place that issue in perspective with regard to the learning process. A dress code also promotes a sense of civility and equality among the students and encourages responsibility and self-discipline. A uniform provides a way that clothing not only doesn’t hinder the educational process, but promotes a positive image among our students, and provides a Christian witness to the community.
Please refer to the Uniform page for full information concerning school dress requirements.
Do you have before and after school care?
Yes, we have an excellent before and after school care program. School Age Care (SAC) is available for Zion Lutheran School students from 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM. There is an additional fee for this service.
Please visit the School Age Care section of this site for more detail.
What are the school hours?
Grades K-8 are in session Monday through Friday from 8:15 AM to 2:40 PM.
Kindergarten half- day hours are: 8:15 AM – 11:30 AM. Half-day students may stay through lunch, going home at 12:15 PM.
Drop-off is between 8:00AM – 8:15AM
Pick-up is between 2:40PM - 3:00PM
Is financial aid offered to families?
Yes! Zion Lutheran Church offers an All-Student discount to every student who wishes to accept it. We believe that what our school offers to your child is so important we want to ensure the cost of educating each child does not prevent your child from attending our school.
What is the relationship between the church and school?
Zion Lutheran School is a vital component of the ministry of Zion Lutheran Church. The church plays an essential role in supporting the school children and parents, as evidenced in the All-Student discount they offer to ensure your family can become part of our Joyous Oasis offering the Living Water of Jesus Christ.
Is your Kindergarten program full-day or half-day?
We offer two choices for kindergarten, a half-day or a full-day program. Both programs provide the essential instruction necessary for first grade success. Both programs prioritize core curriculum objectives in the morning hours. The full day program allows for extension and enrichment of those morning lessons into the afternoon. Full-day hours are 8:15AM – 2:40PM. Half-day hours are 8:15AM to 11:30AM.
Is there a sibling discount for tuition?
Yes. After an elementary school student is enrolled, the second elementary school student receives a discount of $100 dollars from their tuition. Please see the tuition schedule.
Is there a chapel time for students?
Yes, every Wednesday at 8:30AM, the students at every grade level attend chapel.
Do you have a parent organization?
Zion has a very active and involved parent teacher organization.
Do students participate in PE and how often?
The 3rd through 6th grade classes have PE twice a week. The K through 2nd graders use their recess time for physical activity.
Do students participate in field trips?
Yes, our students participate in field trips, which have included Forever Wild, Calico Ghost Town, theater performances at the California Theater in San Bernardino, as well as more local trips to places like In’N’Out, the Discovery Center, and the Olive Garden.
Is there a hot lunch option?
Three days a week food can be ordered and is brought in from local establishments (pizza, sub sandwiches). We do not have facilities licensed to prepare food.
How are home/school communications handled?
Our teachers all communicate through both email (including a weekly note) and text messages. The weekly envelope is sent home every Monday with school work, forms, etc. We are on Facebook and Twitter as well.